NZCA's advice on the addition of the Mokihinui Riverbed to Kahurangi National Park

To:  Hon Eugenie Sage, Minister of Conservation
Date:  14 May 2018

Addition of Mokihinui Riverbed to Kahurangi National Park

The New Zealand Conservation Authority (the Authority) recommended the Mokihinui catchment area be added to Kahurangi National Park in a letter to the Minister of Conservation 28 June 2017.  As you are aware, the survey for this has been actioned and a public announcement is forthcoming. However, a separate process, including consultation with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, was needed for the Mokihinui Riverbed to also be added to the expanded Park. This involves the transition of management from LINZ to the Department of Conservation.

The Authority approved the addition of the Mokihinui Riverbed to the Kahurangi National Park, in principle at its February 2018 meeting, subject to completion of S4 consultation with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Subsequently, I spoke with Arihia Bennet, CEO of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, and Francis Tumahai, Chair of Ngāti Waewae. They agreed to the transition of the Mokihinui Riverbed from LINZ to the Department and in doing so requested priority be given to the preparation of a new Kahurangi National Park Management Plan (the current plan was adopted in 2001).  In support of this, and consistent with the NZCA’s original resolution to add the Mokihinui catchment area to Kahurangi National Park, the Authority asked the Director-General to prioritise planning resources to the Nelson-Marlborough CMS (the renewal of which was initiated October 2017) so that the NPMP process can be started as soon as practical.  The Director-General has actioned this and we look forward to progress being made on both the CMS and NPMP soon.

Therefore, the Authority recommends to you, the Minister of Conservation, that you recommend to the Governor-General that the Mokihinui Riverbed be added to the Kahurangi National Park pursuant to section 7 of the National Parks Act 1980.

Yours sincerely

Dr Warren Parker
Chairperson, NZCA